On paper, France have one of the best teams in Brazil but past tournaments have shown that Les Blues struggle off the pitch just as much as they do on it.

Manager Didier Deschamps, who lifted the Jules Rimmet with France in 1998, has removed the bad eggs of the group from the side and replaced them with players who are willing to play for the team.

Samir Nasri has been left in Manchester despite being a key player in the second-leg victory over Ukraine.

The news caused Nasri’s girlfriend to take to Twitter and launch an explicit verbal attack on Deschamps.

But in doing so, she proved why the likes of Nasri and Nicolas Anelka have been left at home. They cause more damage off the pitch then they do on it.

His reasons for leaving them out were clear: “The aim was to build the best squad, not necessarily to take the top 23 French players but to build a squad to go as far as possible.”

The French can count themselves fortunate to have a place in Brazil.

Placed in a qualifying group with world champions Spain was going to make things difficult and it was no surprise when they finished runners-up in the group and ensured they had a place in the play-offs.

However, they found themselves 2-0 down to Ukraine after the first-leg and many thought their World Cup dream was over.

But a 3-0 victory at home in the second-leg ensured they booked their place in the finals. 

Once qualification was secured, fans immediately began dreaming of lifting their second World Cup.

France do have a large number of individuals on the plane who you could consider world class and on their day, they are still one of the greatest footballing nations on the planet.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has shown at Tottenham that he is one of the worlds top shot-stoppers and is ever-reliable for France.

Raphael Varane has emerged as one of the finest young centre-backs in the world and his partnership with Eliaquim Mangala was a key part of the side in qualifying.

But with the ever-improving Laurent Koscielny, Mangala may find himself watching on from the bench this summer.

Patrice Evra will be the leader at the back and his forward runs down the left flank will be a threat to the opposing nations.

The group E favourites are blessed with young and gifted centre midfielders but Paul Pogba is the stand-out talent.

Released by Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, the 6ft 3in midfiedler has set the world alight at Juventus.

The 21-year-old has the physical presence as well as the grace of a ballerina to make a real difference.

Alongside him is likely to be Blaise Matuidi, a box-to-box midfielder with the legs to keep running for days.

If Deschamps lines France up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the most likely three behind the striker will be the talented Antoine Griezmann, Yohan Cabaye and Frank Ribery.

Ribery is the talisman of the French side but enters Brazil  with a back problem and is a major doubt for the opener on June 15.

The lone striker role is currently occupied by Karim Benzema.

After missing out in 2010 due to poor form, the Real Madrid hit-man has once again rediscovered his shooting boots and his confidence is high after playing a huge role in Madrid’s Champions League win this season.

If Deschamps decides to shake things up then Olivier Giroud is not a bad back-up.

The Arsenal striker looked impressive in the friendly against Paraguay on Sunday and was unlucky not to score.